PHOENIX — Michael Turney, the stepfather of Alissa Turney and the main suspect in her 2001 disappearance, is out of jail after being acquitted of murder charges related to her presumed death.
A judge reportedly threw out the case and ruled for a motion of acquittal in court Monday morning.
The defense asked earlier in the day Monday for the judge to issue an acquittal based on what they called a lack of evidence that Michael killed Alissa, claiming there was sufficient evidence that she ran away.
The news appeared to come as a complete shock to Alissa's family, who was in court at the time of the ruling.
BREAKING: Michael Turney case thrown out by judge. Some people sitting in the family row are crying. Michael Turney appears to audibly breath a sigh of relief. Prosecutors have gotten up abruptly. @abc15 pic.twitter.com/9R1ChbDSe9
— Ashley Holden (@ashleyvholden) July 17, 2023
WATCH: Siblings, classmates of Alissa Turney testify in Michael Turney trial
Seventeen-year-old Alissa went missing at the end of the school year at Paradise Valley High School in 2001. She was first reported as a runaway by Michael, who told authorities that Alissa had left a note and was going to California.
In 2008, new information was brought to light, and officials began a criminal investigation into Alissa's disappearance.
Officials conducted hundreds of interviews with coworkers, friends, and family.
When a search warrant was issued on Michael's home, they discovered a bombing plot, at which point he was brought into custody. Officials say Michael took a plea deal and served 10 years in prison in the bombing plot, unrelated to Alissa's disappearance.
He was arrested in 2020 by police in Mesa on second-degree murder charges in connection to Alissa’s presumed death.
Her body has never been recovered.
Sarah, Alissa's sister, testified in court last week as a key witness. She has spent years searching for answers, sharing haunting home videos on social media, and even starting a podcast called 'Voices for Justice.'
She spoke in court about a troubled relationship between Michael and Alissa.
Alissa’s biological father, who was also in court during the trial, told ABC15 he believes Michael is guilty.
"It's rare but it does happen," said Criminal Defense Attorney Marc Victor, who was able to provide some perspective on the judge's ruling in this case. "It doesn't usually happen on the bigger cases like second-degree murder."
Victor understands high-profile cases like this all too well, defending Elizabeth Johnson in the well-known "Baby Gabriel" case.
"What's happening is the defense attorney is saying to the judge, 'judge, don't require me to put anything on,'" said Victor. "Because even if you believe everything that the state has presented, if you view it in the light most favorable to the state, it still isn't enough for a conviction."
Turney was released from custody and left a Phoenix jail Tuesday morning.
One of his sons picked him up. He had a few boxes of things. He walked with his cane out of jail and his son loaded his things into a car. @abc15 pic.twitter.com/srbKtuw3Ei
— Ashley Holden (@ashleyvholden) July 18, 2023
He spoke to reporters outside of the jail, saying he loves his children. He would not answer questions about Alissa's disappearance or any involvement.
Hear what Turney had to say Tuesday in the video player below:
